It's #PlutoTime for Solar System Ambassadors in Raleigh, NC. Click on the image to find your #PlutoTime.

Solar System Ambassadors from around the country helped test and launch a NASA #PlutoTime app that helps educate the public about the surprising amount of sunlight at Pluto - and engages the public in the results from the New Horizons mission Pluto flyby that occurred on July 14, 2015. Find your #PlutoTime here:

The Solar System Ambassadors Program (SSA) is a public outreach program designed to work with motivated volunteers across the nation. These volunteers communicate the excitement of JPL's space exploration missions and information about recent discoveries to people in their local communities.

For 2015, there are 615 Ambassadors in 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Guam bringing the excitement of space to the public. Ambassadors are space enthusiasts from various walks of life who are interested in providing greater service and inspiration to the community at large.

The Solar System Ambassadors Program builds on and expands the outstanding efforts undertaken by the Galileo mission since 1997. Because of the success of the original Galileo Ambassadors program, JPL missions exploring Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Asteroids, Comets, Earth, the Sun and the Universe now come together to expand the program's scope to the Solar System and beyond.

To arrange for a Solar System Ambassador event in your community, click the Directory tab, select your state or territory and review the entries. Ambassadors furnish short biographical statements for the purpose of detailing their areas of interest and expertise. Following the biography is a list of past events conducted by the Ambassador to further aid in decision making. Inquiries about an Ambassador's availability should be made by sending an email directly to the individual.

Check the "Calendar of Events" section as well to see if an Ambassador event will be occurring in your local community. For a listing of Solar System Ambassadors by name, visit the Directory of Ambassadors.

Applications to become a Solar System Ambassador are accepted once a year during the month of September. Successful candidates begin their one-year, renewable term of service the following January 1. The Announcement of Opportunity and application form will be posted on this site on September 1.

The Solar System Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the JET PROPULSION LABORATORY in Pasadena, CA, an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a lead research and development center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

On August 14 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, Solar System Ambassador Patrick Wiggins was presented the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal for his outstanding efforts as a Solar System Ambassador volunteer.